'The Pigeons Of St. Marks' by Robert Service


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Something's wrong in Pigeon-land;
'Tisn't as it used to be,
When the pilgrim, corn in hand,
Courted us with laughing glee;
When we crooned with pinions furled,
Tamest pigeons in the world.

When we packed each arm and shoulder,
Never deeming man a menace;
Surly birds were never bolder
Than our dainty doves of Venice:
Who would have believed a pigeon
Could become wild as a widgeon.

Well, juts blame it on the War,
When Venetians grew thinner,
And gaunt hands would grab us for
Succulence to serve a dinner . . .
How our numbers fast grew fewer,
As we perished on a skewer.

Pa and Mummie went like that,
So when tourist takes his stand,
On his Borsolino hat
Soft as whispered love I land;
Then with cooing liquid vowels
I . . . evacuate my bowls.

Something's wrong in Pigeon-land;
Mankind we no longer trust;
Shrinking from the tendered hand,
pick we corn from out the dust;
While on guileless pilgrim pate,
Thinking that revenge is sweet,
Soft I croon my hymn of hate,
Drop my tribute and retreat.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Pigeons of St. Marks: An Analysis of Robert Service's Poem

Oh, what a marvelous poem is Robert Service's "The Pigeons of St. Marks"! This work of art is a testament to the poet's genius, and it captures the beauty, humor, and pathos of life in a way that only a great artist can.

The Narrative

The poem tells the story of a flock of pigeons that live in the famous St. Mark's Square in Venice. These pigeons are a beloved part of the city's culture and history, and they are fed by the tourists and residents alike. However, the pigeons face a major challenge when a new law is passed that prohibits the feeding of pigeons in the square.

The poem follows the pigeons as they struggle to find food and adapt to this new reality. They are forced to scavenge for crumbs and fight for their survival, while also dealing with the loss of their freedom and the love and attention of the people they once knew.

The Themes

At its core, "The Pigeons of St. Marks" is a story about the struggle for survival in a changing world. The pigeons represent the common people, who are often overlooked and marginalized in the face of progress and modernization. The law that prohibits feeding the pigeons is a metaphor for the many changes that modern society imposes on people, often without regard for their needs or well-being.

The poem also explores themes of loss, love, and the search for meaning in life. The pigeons are not just birds - they are creatures with personalities, emotions, and relationships. They form bonds with each other and with the people who feed them, and they feel the pain of separation and abandonment when these bonds are broken. The poem asks us to consider what makes life worth living and what we lose when we lose our connections to our communities and the natural world.

The Style

Robert Service's style in "The Pigeons of St. Marks" is a masterclass in the art of poetry. He uses a simple, conversational tone that draws the reader in and makes them feel like they are part of the story. His language is rich and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the pigeons and their world. He also uses humor and irony to great effect, injecting a lightness and playfulness into the poem that makes it all the more powerful when the tone shifts to one of sadness and loss.

The Structure

The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with six lines. The first three stanzas describe the pigeons and their world before the law is passed, while the final stanza shows the pigeons struggling to survive in the aftermath of the law. This structure creates a sense of progression and development, as we see the pigeons' world change and evolve. It also creates a sense of closure, as the final stanza brings the poem to a poignant and bittersweet conclusion.

The Interpretation

"The Pigeons of St. Marks" is a powerful work of art that speaks to the human experience in a profound way. Its themes of survival, loss, and the search for meaning are universal, and they resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. The poem invites us to think deeply about our own lives and the world around us, and to consider the ways in which we can create meaning and connection in a world that is often indifferent to our needs.

At the same time, the poem is a celebration of the beauty and complexity of the natural world. The pigeons are not just birds - they are living beings with their own personalities, relationships, and struggles. Robert Service's use of language and imagery brings their world to life, and invites us to see the world through their eyes.

In conclusion, "The Pigeons of St. Marks" is a masterpiece of poetry that deserves to be read and appreciated by all. Its themes, style, and structure combine to create a work of art that is both timeless and deeply relevant to our lives today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Pigeons of St. Marks: A Poem of Love and Loss

Robert Service's "The Pigeons of St. Marks" is a classic poem that captures the essence of love and loss. The poem is set in Venice, Italy, and tells the story of a man who falls in love with a woman he meets in the city. The poem is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of love and the inevitability of loss.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the pigeons of St. Marks, a famous square in Venice. The pigeons are a symbol of the city, and they represent the beauty and grace of Venice. The speaker is captivated by the pigeons and their beauty, and he is reminded of the woman he met in the city.

The speaker then describes the woman he met in Venice. She is beautiful and graceful, and he is immediately drawn to her. He describes her as a "queen of love," and he is entranced by her beauty and charm. The speaker is in love with the woman, and he is filled with a sense of longing and desire.

The poem then takes a darker turn, as the speaker realizes that his love for the woman is fleeting. He knows that he will never be able to hold onto her, and he is filled with a sense of loss and sadness. The speaker is aware that his love for the woman is like the pigeons of St. Marks, beautiful and fleeting.

The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the nature of love and loss. He knows that his love for the woman will never last, but he is grateful for the time he spent with her. He is reminded of the beauty of Venice and the pigeons of St. Marks, and he knows that his love for the woman will always be a part of him.

"The Pigeons of St. Marks" is a beautiful and poignant poem that captures the essence of love and loss. The poem is a reflection on the fleeting nature of love and the inevitability of loss. The speaker is in love with a woman he meets in Venice, but he knows that his love for her is like the pigeons of St. Marks, beautiful and fleeting.

The poem is set in Venice, Italy, and the city is an important part of the poem. Venice is a city of beauty and grace, and the pigeons of St. Marks are a symbol of the city. The speaker is captivated by the beauty of the pigeons, and he is reminded of the woman he met in the city. The city is a symbol of love and loss, and it is an important part of the poem.

The woman the speaker meets in Venice is a symbol of beauty and grace. She is described as a "queen of love," and the speaker is immediately drawn to her. The woman represents the beauty of love, but she is also a symbol of loss. The speaker knows that he will never be able to hold onto her, and he is filled with a sense of sadness and loss.

The poem is a reflection on the nature of love and loss. The speaker knows that his love for the woman will never last, but he is grateful for the time he spent with her. He is reminded of the beauty of Venice and the pigeons of St. Marks, and he knows that his love for the woman will always be a part of him.

In conclusion, "The Pigeons of St. Marks" is a beautiful and poignant poem that captures the essence of love and loss. The poem is set in Venice, Italy, and the city is an important part of the poem. The woman the speaker meets in Venice is a symbol of beauty and grace, but she is also a symbol of loss. The poem is a reflection on the fleeting nature of love and the inevitability of loss. The speaker knows that his love for the woman will never last, but he is grateful for the time he spent with her. The poem is a beautiful reminder of the beauty and fragility of love.

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